Knowledge of Pregnant Women Regarding Premature Birth at the Intermediate Hospital Antenatal Care Clinic in Namibia: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

Elizabeth Kaapanda Shikongo, Helena Taamba Nuumbosho and Joseph Galukeni Kadhila

Background: The knowledge and information awareness among expectant mothers on the conditions that have adverse outcomes on the pregnancy is crucial. A body of knowledge exist on the knowledge about preterm births among obstetricians, patients, couples, midwives, clinical officers and community health care workers. However, no study exists that assess pregnant women knowledge on the premature births.

Methods: The study adopted a quantitative descriptive design. A probability simple random sampling method was used to select the participants. Data collection took place at the study antenatal care clinic. Fifty-five participated in the study and completed the questionnaire in front of the researcher. Competence was based on 50% because, data was collected on the participants of whom some may not have any educational or medical background. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data.

Results: The study found n= 49 (89%) participants knowledge competent about pre-term births by obtaining a knowledge score of above 50%.

Conclusion: Therefore this, study can conclude that the expectant mother attending antenatal care at Katutura Intermediate hospital have good knowledge about the causes, risks factors, prevention and management of preterm births.

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